A brand new edition of the Indian Premie League (IPL 2022) is all set to commence on March 26 with defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) playing Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Four stadiums in Maharashtra will host the league phase while the venues for the playoffs are yet to be finalised.
With a 10-team affair, the tournament promises to be bigger and better than ever keeping in view that it will return fully for the first time since IPL 2019.
Meanwhile, with two new teams, many young and new faces will grace the tournament for the first time. On the other hand, we will miss a couple of players who have played an integral role in making IPL a grand success over the years since 2008.
On that note, let us take a look at 3 cricketers who will not be a part of IPL for the first time in 2008.
#3 AB de Villiers
Legendary South African cricketer has bid farewell to all forms of cricket including franchise last year after IPL 2021. AB de Villiers didn’t had a great run in the tournament, finishing with 313 runs from 15 matches at an average of 31.30 and a strike rate of 148.34.
A stalwart of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), de Villiers has been part of the IPL since 2008. He began his IPL career with the Delhi Daredevils (now known as Delhi Capitals), whom he represented from 2008 to 2010.
He moved to Bangalore in 2011 where he charmed the audience with his breathtaking knocks. The 38-year-old batsman retired with 5162 runs from 184 matches at an average of 39.70 and a strike rate of 151.68. He smashed three hundreds and 40 fifties during an illustrious career.
#2 Dhawal Kulkarni
The veteran fast bowler has been part of a couple of franchise ever since IPL kicked off in 2008. A medium-pace bowler, Kulkarni impressed in the inaugural edition of the IPL after rising through the ranks in age-group cricket.
He represented Mumbai Indians from 2008 to 2013 before chasing base to Rajasthan in 2014. He plied trade for Gujarat Lions in 2016 and 2017 when Rajasthan Royals were suspended before returning to the franchise in 2018.
The 33-year-old pacer eventually returned to Mumbai Indians in 2020 and played two seasons for them. Kulkarni entered the IPL 2022 auction but didn’t attract any bidders at the auction last month.
Overall, the right-arm pacer has scalped 86 wickets in 92 matches at an economy rate of 8.30.
#1 Amit Mishra
Thanks @ParthJindal11 for the kind words & your acknowledgment of my services for the team. I am truly humbled! But, I am not finished yet and can easily add to the legacy of @DelhiCapitals…only if DC needs me! I am always in their corner. #ibleedDC https://t.co/kQuiiKaHKy
— Amit Mishra (@MishiAmit) February 13, 2022
The highest wicket-taker in the IPL among Indians with 166 wickets Amit Mishra is a legend of the game. Only Lasith Malinga (170) and Dwayne Bravo (167) have claimed more wickets than Mishra in the history of the IPL.
Mishra had also represented the Deccan Chargers and Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL. He holds the record for having claimed the most hat-tricks in the tournament with three.
Having released by Delhi Capitals after having moderate season last year, Amit Mishra didn’t find any buyers at the auction and thus will not get to add to his tally of wickets.